Environmental

Risk Assessment 4
 Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment
Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CONTENTS
CONTENTS

4 Environmental Risk Assessment 4-1

4 Environmental Risk Assessment 4-1
4.1 Introduction 4-1
4.1 Introduction 4-1
4.2 Methodology 4-1
4.2 Methodology 4-1
4.2.1 Introduction 4-1
4.2.1 Introduction 4-1
4.2.2 Establishment of Context 4-2
4.2.2 Establishment of Context 4-2
4.2.3 Risk Identification, Analysis and Evaluation 4-3
4.2.3 Risk Identification, Analysis and Evaluation 4-3
4.2.4 Risk Treatment 4-5
4.2.4 Risk Treatment 4-5
4.3 Environmental Risk Assessment 4-6
4.3 Environmental Risk Assessment 4-6

Tables
Tables
Table 4-1 Environmental Setting
Table 4-1 Environmental Setting
Table 4-2 Ratings for the Assessment of Consequence Levels
Table 4-2 Ratings for the Assessment of Consequence Levels
Table 4-3 Ratings for the Assessment of Likelihood
Table 4-3 Ratings for the Assessment of Likelihood
Table 4-4 Risk Assessment Matrix
Table 4-4 Risk Assessment Matrix
Table 4-5 Environmental Risk Assessment
Table 4-5 Environmental Risk Assessment

Graphs
Graphs
Graph 4-1 Total Risk Ratings Before and After Mitigation
Graph 4-1 Total Risk Ratings Before and After Mitigation
Graph 4-2 Risk Ratings for Environmental Aspects
Graph 4-2 Risk Ratings for Environmental Aspects

HANSEN BAILEY
HANSEN BAILEY
 Section 44 || Environmental
Section Environmental Management Plan
Risk Assessment

4 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK
ASSESSMENT

4.1 INTRODUCTION
This section describes the assessment of environmental and social risks that was undertaken for the project. It
describes the risk assessment methodology, and presents the results of the assessment. This section presents
the project’s risks in the absence of mitigation measures, as well as after taking into account the application of
mitigation measures. The objective of the risk assessment process is to ensure that significant risks are identified
and evaluated in order to ensure an appropriate level of risk treatment is applied to mitigate such risks.

4.2 METHODOLOGY

4.2.1 Introduction
Risk assessment and management is a key part of the proponent’s business. Risk management is integrated into
business processes to ensure that, on a day-to-day basis, both strategic and operational decisions are risk-based.
The proponent’s risk management system provides a consistent framework for risk management, which includes a
structured methodology and the tools to identify both opportunities and threats. The system then initiates a
process whereby resources are effectively allocated in order to treat risks. Requirements of the system include
implementation of structured and systematic hazard identification, risk assessment and risk recording processes.
There is a requirement for the ongoing review of risks, and review of the effectiveness of controls. The system is
informed by AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines. In the context of a project,
the proponent’s risk management system includes requirements for risks to be identified early in the project
lifecycle to ensure that appropriate controls can be applied to the planning and design of the project.

The key features and outcomes of the risk management process include:

 It is part of decision making;

 It is an integral part of the proponents organisational process;

 It is based on the best available information;

 It addresses uncertainty;

 It takes into account human, cultural as well as environmental aspects;

 It is transparent and inclusive;

 It is tailored, dynamic, and responsive to change;

 It facilitates continual improvement; and

 It creates and protects value both for the proponent and key stakeholders.

This section describes the risk assessment methodology that was adopted for the Eastern Leases Project (the
project) for environmental and social risks. Occupational health and safety risks are described in Section 18 –
Health and Safety.

HANSEN BAILEY
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental Impact Statement 4-1
 Management
Section 4 | Environmental Risk Plan
Assessment

Consistent with AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009, the approach to risk assessment involved:

1 Establishment of context;

2 Risk identification;

3 Risk analysis;

4 Risk evaluation;

5 Risk treatment;

6 Monitoring and review; and

7 Communication and consultation.

This section describes the work that was undertaken to establish the context of risks, and the process for risk
identification, analysis, evaluation and treatment. Section 19 – Environmental Management Plan describes the
monitoring and review procedures that will adopted in relation to environmental risks. The proponent’s risk
management system requires that a risk register, containing health, safety and environmental risks, be maintained
and be reviewed over the life of the project, including at all stages of the development of the project (construction,
operations, decommissioning). Section 5 – Consultation describes communication and consultation for the
project.

4.2.2 Establishment of Context

The context of environmental risks is determined by the environmental setting of the project and the project
elements.

Environmental Setting
The project setting is described in various technical studies, as outlined in Table 4-1. The environmental setting
was carefully considered by the proponent and all specialists working on the project when identifying, analysing
and evaluating the project’s risks.

Table 4-1 Environmental Setting

FEATURE OF ENVIRONMENT EIS VOLUME 1 REFERENCE EIS SPECIALIST REPORT

REFERENCE

 Overview of Setting Section 3 – Project Description -

 Terrestrial Ecology Section 7 – Terrestrial Ecology Appendix C – Terrestrial Ecology Report

 Aquatic Ecology Section 8 – Aquatic Ecology Appendix D – Aquatic Ecology Report

 Groundwater Section 9 – Groundwater Appendix F – Groundwater Report

Appendix H – Baseline Surface Water

 Surface Water Section 10 – Surface Water
Monitoring Report

 Social environment, including:

– Air Quality Section 12 – Air Quality Appendix I – Air Quality Report

– Acoustic (Noise) Environment Section 13 – Noise and Vibration Appendix J – Noise and Vibration Report

– Visual Amenity Section 14 – Visual Amenity -

– Socio-economics Section 15 – Socio-economics Appendix K – Socio-economics Report

– Cultural Heritage Section 16 – Archaeology Appendix L – Archaeology Report

4-2 Eastern Leases Project

Draft Environmental Impact Statement HANSEN BAILEY
 Section 44 || Environmental
Section Environmental Management Plan
Risk Assessment

Project Elements
The project is a proposed open cut mine located within the Eastern Leases, east of the existing mine. It involves
developing a number of quarries to extract ore, the handling and storing overburden, constructing haul roads and
minor infrastructure, and transporting ore to the existing mine.

In order to appropriately plan and design the project, an unconstrained version of the project was initially
assessed. This unconstrained version of the project assumed extraction of all of the ore within the Eastern
Leases, with mining undertaken in an economically efficient manner, unconstrained by environmental issues. This
unconstrained version of the project formed the basis of an initial assessment of unmitigated environmental risks.
Assessing the risks associated with the unconstrained project, in the absence of mitigation measures, allowed
significant risks to be identified early in the project planning process. The project design could then be modified to
eliminate risks where possible, or to reduce risks to acceptable levels. The unconstrained project design involves
the following activities, which would allow for maximum extraction of ore:

 Diversion of watercourses to allow mining of the full resource beneath the watercourses;

 Leaving remnant final voids as part of the final landform at the end of the mine life;

 The permanent emplacement of overburden in landforms which are elevated well above the natural pre-mining
surface levels;

 Routine discharge of mine-affected water into watercourses; and

 Designing the mine to avoid double-handling of material (overburden, topsoil). Although this is economically
and logistically efficient, it results in the project disturbance footprint expanding beyond the minimum area
required to be disturbed.

Once the environmental and social risks associated with the unconstrained project were understood, an
integrated, multi-disciplinary approach was adopted to ensure that the project design eliminated or limited risks as
far as possible. The design process was guided by the risk assessment, and included input from various specialist
areas, such as water management and mine planning. This process was facilitated by the proponent through a
number of multi-criteria/risk assessment workshops. The project description provided in Section 3 – Project
Description is the result of this process, and the project description therefore incorporates the design elements
intended to reduce environmental risks. These design elements include:

 A project design that avoids mining of watercourses;

 A mine plan that addresses the requirements for long term closure planning and eliminates the need for final
voids and elevated overburden emplacements in the post-mining landform;

 A project design which allows for storage and reuse of mine-affected water; and

 Mine planning and scheduling which places a priority on minimising the project disturbance footprint as far as
possible.

The risk assessment presented in this section provides an assessment of risks associated with the unconstrained
project (as described above), as well as risks associated with the preferred project design (as per Section 3 –
Project Description). Presenting the risks in this way allows the reader to understand the effect of the mitigation
measures that have been incorporated into project design.

4.2.3 Risk Identification, Analysis and Evaluation

Environmental risk assessment was undertaken through a series of workshops and review sessions at various
stages during project design and EIS development. The principles in AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009, as well as the
proponent’s internal risk assessment documentation, guided the risk assessment.

HANSEN BAILEY
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental Impact Statement 4-3
 Management
Section 4 | Environmental Risk Plan
Assessment

Individual risks were identified through:

 Considering proposed project elements in relation to the project setting;

 Making use of the proponent’s knowledge and experience from the operation of the existing mine, as well as
the experience of the EIS study team with other similar projects;

 Feedback from stakeholder consultation (as described in Section 5 – Consultation); and

 Consideration of the preliminary risks identified in the EIS Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the NT
Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA).

Risks were systematically identified taking into consideration the full range of project activities in relation to
individual aspects of the existing environment. The following aspects of the environment were considered as part
of the risk assessment:

 Groundwater;

 Surface water;

 Ecology (including biodiversity issues relating to air quality and noise); and

 Social (including social issues relating to air quality, noise, visual amenity, socio-economics and cultural
heritage).

It should be noted that the risk assessment did not include activities undertaken at the existing mine, given that
these activities are undertaken in accordance with existing approvals and procedures (subject to their own risk
assessment processes) and in accordance with existing environmental management procedures. The project will
not give rise to any changes to these activities.

Once all risks had been identified, the consequence and likelihood of each individual risk was then analysed using
the proponent’s risk assessment matrix. Table 4-2 and Table 4-3 present the ratings for consequence and
likelihood, respectively.

Table 4-2 Ratings for the Assessment of Consequence Levels

CONSEQUENCE
ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY
LEVEL

Low level impact/s to land, Low-level social impacts. Low-level infringement of cultural
1 biodiversity, ecosystem heritage or minimal disturbance to heritage structures.
services, water resources or air Minimal impact on human rights.

Minor medium-term social impacts on small number of

Minor impact/s to land,
people. Repairable damage or disturbance to property,
2 biodiversity, ecosystem
structures or items. Minor infringement of cultural heritage.
services, water resources or air
Minor, temporary human rights impacts.

Moderate medium-term social impacts or frequent social

Moderate impact/s land,
issues. Moderate damage to structures/items of local
3 biodiversity, ecosystem
cultural heritage significance/sacred locations. Moderate,
services, water resources or air
temporary human rights impacts.

A breakdown of social order. Widespread damage to items

Significant impact/s (>20 years) of global cultural significance. Highly offensive
4 land, biodiversity, ecosystem infringements of cultural heritage. Company directly
services, water resources or air responsible or complicit in severe, long-term impacts on
human rights.

4-4 Eastern Leases Project

Draft Environmental Impact Statement HANSEN BAILEY
 Section 44 || Environmental
Section Environmental Management Plan
Risk Assessment

CONSEQUENCE
ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY
LEVEL

Complete breakdown of social order. Widespread

Permanent, severe impact/s to
desecration of items of global cultural significance.
5 land, biodiversity, ecosystem
Company directly responsible or complicit in severe and
services, water resources or air
widespread long-term impacts on human rights.

Table 4-3 Ratings for the Assessment of Likelihood

LIKELIHOOD ENVIRONMENT

Almost Certain Could be incurred more than once in a year

Likely Could be incurred over a 1-2 year timeframe
Possible Could be incurred within a 5 year timeframe
Unlikely Could be incurred in a 5-20 year timeframe
Rare Less than once in 20 years

The overall risk category was determined by making use of a risk matrix provided in Table 4-4 which considers
both consequence and probability.

Table 4-4 Risk Assessment Matrix

CONSEQUENCE
LIKELIHOOD Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Low level Minor impact Moderate impact Significant impact Severe impact
impact

Almost Certain High (11) High (16) Extreme (20) Extreme (23) Extreme (25)

Likely Moderate (7) High (12) High (17) Extreme (21) Extreme (24)

Possible Low (4) Moderate (8) High (13) Extreme (18) Extreme (22)

Unlikely Low (2) Low (5) Moderate (9) High (14) Extreme (19)

Rare Low (1) Low (3) Moderate (6) High (10) High (15)

Section 4.3 presents the results of the risk assessment.

The risk assessment approach is not designed to identify and evaluate positive impacts associated with the
project. It is, nevertheless, important to consider these impacts to ensure that benefits are maximised and in order
to obtain a full understanding of the project. Positive impacts are therefore listed in Section 4.3, but risk ratings are
not assigned to positive impacts.

4.2.4 Risk Treatment

As noted in Section 4.2.2, the project design reflects a number of measures that have been taken to eliminate
project risks where possible, or reduce risks. In addition to project design elements which will reduce the
environmental risks associated with the project, various mitigation measures will be applied to the operation of the
project (e.g. dust suppression watering, environmental awareness training for the workforce). These mitigation
measures are described in Section 19 – Environmental Management Plan.

HANSEN BAILEY
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental Impact Statement 4-5
 Management
Section 4 | Environmental Risk Plan
Assessment

4.3 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Table 4-5 presents the environmental risk assessment undertaken for the project. It includes a description of
environmental and social risks associated with various project activities. The consequence and likelihood of each
risk is provided in accordance with the rating system provided in Table 4-2 and Table 4-3 respectively, and an
overall risk rating is provided in accordance with the matrix presented in Table 4-4. Risk ratings are provided for
the activity both with and without mitigation, allowing the reader to understand the effect of the mitigation
measures. Table 4-5 describes the mitigation measures that will be applied to the project. It also provides an
assessment of the degree of certainty in relation to the mitigation measures being effective in reducing the risk
rating.

A total of 50 risks were identified for the project, in addition to a number of positive impacts. Graph 4-1 shows the
total number of risks and the risk ratings, both prior to the application of mitigation measures and taking into
account mitigation measures. Graph 4-2 provides risk ratings for the various environmental aspects.

Graph 4-1 Total Risk Ratings Before and After Mitigation

4-6 Eastern Leases Project

Draft Environmental Impact Statement HANSEN BAILEY
 Section 44 || Environmental
Section Environmental Management Plan
Risk Assessment

Graph 4-2 Risk Ratings for Environmental Aspects

ENVIRONMENTAL
UNMITIGATED RISK MITIGATED RISK
ASPECT

Low 1 Low 4

Moderate 1 Moderate -
GROUNDWATER
High 1 High -

Extreme 1 Extreme -

Low 1 Low 10

Moderate 3 Moderate 2
SURFACE WATER
High 6 High -

Extreme 2 Extreme -

Low 3 Low 9

Moderate 4 Moderate 5
ECOLOGY
High 5 High 1

Extreme 3 Extreme -

Low 7 Low 15

Moderate 6 Moderate 4
SOCIAL
High 3 High -

Extreme 3 Extreme -

Risk Ratings: Low Moderate High Extreme

As demonstrated in Graphs 4-1 and 4-2, risks were significantly reduced through the application of mitigation
measures, primarily the adoption of a project design intended to eliminate or significantly reduce risks. Following
mitigation, the majority of risks (38) are rated as being low risk, with 11 moderate risks and one high risk. No
extreme risks are predicted following the application of mitigation measures.

The only risk which remains high, even after mitigation, is the potential for the transport of materials and personnel
required for the project to exacerbate the risk of Cane Toads being introduced to Groote Eylandt. This risk is a
function of the project’s location on Groote Eylandt. The consequence of this risk is considered to be extreme,
meaning that even though the likelihood is very low (rated as Rare), the resultant risk for flora and fauna remains
high. A number of actions are already in place to prevent the introduction of the Cane Toad to Groote Eylandt.
The proponent has a Cane Toad Management Plan and an associated quarantine procedure. This plan details
monitoring, reporting and disposal procedures in the event of a Cane Toad being found. The Anindilyakwa Land
Council (ALC) also has a number of measures in place to prevent the introduction of the Cane Toad. As an
additional mitigation measure to be implemented for the project, the proponent will introduce formal quarantine
audits, undertaken by trained and experienced quarantine officers. The annual audits of quarantine procedures
would confirm the adequacy of the quarantine measures and make recommendations for continual improvement.

HANSEN BAILEY
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental Impact Statement 4-7
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-8

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

Table 4-5 Environmental Risk Assessment
CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT 1 2 3 1 2 3 RELATION TO
Draft
Eastern Leases Project

NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C L R MITIGATION C L R

Draft Environmental

ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Environmental Impact

GROUNDWATER
1  Construction of  Drawdown of aquifers, giving  Project involves mining of  No mining of watercourses or watercourse High Certainty:
quarries, and rise to impacts on: watercourses (and shallow buffers.  Elimination of final
Impact Statement

ongoing pit – Groundwater users (bores aquifer associated with  Mine design which avoids final voids, allowing voids in mine plan is
dewatering. at outstations); them). for a full recovery of groundwater levels, similar the key mitigation.
Statement

– Vegetation dependent on
shallow groundwater; and
– Watercourses via
reduction in groundwater
contributions to flows in
watercourses.
2  Construction of  Deterioration of water quality
quarries. over time in the final voids.
3  Storage and  Potentially acid forming (PAF)  No special handling
handling of material in overburden giving
overburden. rise to acidic runoff, with
resultant impacts on
groundwater or surface water
quality.
HANSEN
HANSEN BAILEY
BAILEY
 Mine plan will involve final
voids that remain beyond
mine life.
 Mine plan will involve final
voids that remain beyond
mine life.
techniques for overburden.
 No experience of PAF
material at existing mine.
Geology weathered lateritic
deposit) has a low risk for
the presence of PAF
material.
to pre-mining groundwater levels. Groundwater modelling
3 AC E  Groundwater modelling, informed by a 2 U L is informed by recent
groundwater monitoring program, to monitoring data and a
understand impacts (modelling shows very thorough understanding
limited potential impacts). of the site
 Ongoing monitoring of drawdown extents (to hydrogeology.
confirm consistency with EIS predictions).
 Mine design which avoids final voids, allowing Risk eliminated High Certainty:
for a full recovery of groundwater levels, similar through mine  Elimination of final
3 P H
to pre-mining groundwater levels. design which voids in mine plan is
avoids final voids the key mitigation.
 Geochemical study undertaken ahead of High Certainty:
mining (as part of this EIS) to identify any PAF  Based on 50 years
material. Determined that project overburden experience at existing
has significant excess buffering capacity and is mine, known geological
considered to be non-acid forming. setting and
3 U M 3 R M
 Selective handling of the small, isolated geochemical testing
quantity of PAF material that was located carried out at the
during the study. project site.
 Ongoing monitoring of the geochemistry of the
overburden material.
HANSEN
HANSENBAILEY

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
BAILEY

ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
4  Transport, use,  Spills from transport, storage  Small volumes of diesel to  Ongoing groundwater and surface water High Certainty:
storage of or use of hazardous materials be transported, used or monitoring programs to identify any  The key factor reducing
hazardous giving rise to impacts on stored. groundwater contamination issues. the severity of the risk
materials (e.g. groundwater quality.  Transport, use and storage  Transport, use and storage of hazardous is the small quantity of
diesel). of hazardous materials as materials will be as per standard procedures hazardous materials to
per standard procedures 2 U L outlined in relevant Australian Standards. 2 U L be used. Proposed
outlined in relevant procedures for
Australian standards (and in transport, use and
use at existing GEMCO storage of material are
mine). industry standard, and
in use at existing mine.
SURFACE WATER
5  Construction  Ongoing sedimentation and  No specific scour and  Watercourse crossings with engineered High Certainty:
and use of haul associated impacts on water sedimentation controls. culverts, with inlet and outlet scour protection.  Culvert design and
road quality (impact on values in  Culverts have been sized based on a detailed construction will be as
watercourse relation to aquatic biology, hydrology study (as part of this EIS) to inform per standard
crossings. drinking water and appropriate sizing of culverts to mitigate engineering practice.
aesthetics). significant impacts on erosion and sediment
impacts.
3 L H  Appropriate engineering design of culverts, and 3 U M
design undertaken by suitably qualified and
experienced engineer.
 Erosion and sediment control measures
implemented during construction and operation.
Draft
Draft Environmental

 Proponent has committed to installing stream

Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment
Environmental Impact

gauging on the Emerald River at the proposed

haul road crossing.
Eastern Leases Project
4-9 Impact Statement
Statement
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-10

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Draft
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental

6  Vegetation  Erosion and sedimentation  Mining activities (and  Key objective in mine design is to limit the High Certainty:
clearing as part issues and associated associated vegetation project disturbance footprint, with only one third  Mine design which
Environmental Impact

of the impacts on surface water clearing) undertaken within of the project site subject to clearing. avoids mining of
construction and quality (impacts on values in and in close proximity to  No mining (and associated vegetation clearing) watercourses is key
operation of the relation to aquatic biology, watercourses. within watercourse buffer areas. mitigation measure.
mine. drinking water and  Project disturbance footprint  Clearing activities undertaken in accordance
Impact Statement

aesthetics). determined primarily by with a Permit to Clear process in order to

economic considerations, manage clearing activities and limit clearing to
Statement

with no attempt to reduce 2 AC H the smallest practicable area for safe work. 3 R M
footprint.  Clearing undertaken in accordance with an
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, which will
describe erosion and sediment controls and
monitoring requirements.
 Construction of appropriate drainage and
sediment control measures to manage runoff
and treat sediment-laden waters.
 Ongoing monitoring quality.
7  Storage and  Erosion and sedimentation of  Mining activities (and  No mining within watercourse buffer. High Certainty:
handling of overburden emplacements, associated vegetation  Progressive rehabilitation.  The key mitigation
overburden. and associated impacts on clearing) undertaken within  Mine design ensures no elevated overburden measures are a mine
surface water quality (impacts and in close proximity to emplacements as part of the post-mining design which avoids
on values in relation to watercourses. landform, significantly reducing the potential for elevated overburden
aquatic biology, drinking water  Mine plan will involve erosion. emplacements, and
and aesthetics). 3 L H 2 U L
elevated overburden  Implementation of an Erosion and Sediment avoids mining of
emplacements that remain Control Plan, including capturing runoff from watercourses.
beyond mine life. overburden emplacements in collection drains
 No specific erosion controls. and directing it through sediment traps and
sediment dams to control suspended sediment
prior to discharge from sites.
8  Watercourse  Erosion and sedimentation,  Construction of watercourse  Forego mining of ore beneath watercourses, Risk eliminated High Certainty:
diversion to and associated impacts on diversions to enable avoiding the need for diversions. through mine  Diversions do not form
enable the full surface water quality (impacts extraction of full resource design, which part of the project
3 L H
ore body to be on values in relation to (including resource beneath eliminates the design.
mined. aquatic biology, drinking water watercourses). need for
HANSEN
HANSEN BAILEY

and aesthetics). diversions.

BAILEY
HANSEN
HANSENBAILEY

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
BAILEY

ACTIVITY
9  Watercourse  Geomorphological changes to  Construction of watercourse
diversion to watercourses and alteration of
enable the full flood regime (e.g. secondary
ore body to be channels forming, instability of
mined. banks and floodplain, altered
bed characteristics, changes
in the flood envelope).
Geomorphological changes to
watercourses giving rise to
impacts on aquatic biology
and cultural heritage
(watercourses have high
value in Anindilyakwa culture).
10  Construction of  Impacts on surface water
quarries, and flows due to groundwater
ongoing pit drawdown.
dewatering.
Draft
Draft Environmental
UNMITIGATED RISK
diversions to enable
extraction of full resource
(including resource beneath
watercourses).
 Project involves mining of
watercourses (and shallow
aquifer associated with
them).
 Mine plan will involve final
voids that remain beyond
mine life.
EFFECTIVENESS OF
MITIGATION4
 Forego mining of ore beneath watercourses, High Certainty:
avoiding the need for diversions.  Diversions do not form
part of the project
design.
Risk eliminated
through mine
design, which
4 P E
eliminates the
need for
diversions.
 No mining of watercourses or watercourse High Certainty:
buffers.  Elimination of final
 Mine design which avoids final voids, allowing voids in mine plan is
for a full recovery of groundwater levels, similar the key mitigation.
to pre-mining groundwater levels. Groundwater modelling
3 AC E  Groundwater modelling, informed by a 2 U L is informed by recent
groundwater monitoring program, to monitoring data and a
understand impacts (modelling shows very thorough understanding
limited potential impacts). of the site
 Ongoing monitoring to drawdown extents are hydrogeology.
as per EIS predictions.

11  Storage and  Potentially acid forming (PAF)  No special handling  Geochemical study undertaken ahead of High Certainty:

Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan

handling of material in overburden giving techniques for overburden. mining (as part of this EIS) to identify any PAF

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

 Based on 50 years
Environmental Impact

overburden. rise to acidic runoff, with  No experience of PAF material. Determined that project overburden experience at existing
resultant impacts on surface material at existing mine. has significant excess buffering capacity and is mine, and geochemical
Eastern Leases Project

water quality. Geology (weathered lateritic 3 U M considered to be non-acid forming. 3 R M testing.

deposit) has a low risk for  Selective handling of small quantity of PAF
Impact Statement

the presence of PAF material that was located during the study.
material.  Ongoing monitoring of the geochemistry of the
Statement

overburden material.
4-11
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-12

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Draft
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental

12  Storage and  Turbid site runoff from areas  No special handling  Geochemical study undertaken ahead of Moderate Certainty:
handling of of exposed dispersive clay techniques for overburden, mining (as part of this EIS) to identify and  Based on geochemical
Environmental Impact

overburden. materials impacting and no testing for presence analyse any fine clays. It determined that testing.
downstream water quality. of dispersive clays within smectite and kaolinite clays are present only
overburden materials. sporadically and that they are non-dispersive
2 P M and are therefore not predicted to give rise to 2 R L
Impact Statement

surface water impacts.

 Selective handling of any dispersive materials
Statement

that are encountered.

13  Excavation of  Permanent reduction in
pits and storage contributing catchment areas
of overburden. and catchment yields, with
resultant impacts on surface
water flows (impacting surface
water users and aquatic and
terrestrial ecology).
14  Mine water  Discharge of mine affected
management. water, resulting in impacts on
surface water quality (impacts
on values in relation to
aquatic biology, drinking water
and aesthetics, as well as
recreational value at locations
such as Leske Pools).
HANSEN
 Project disturbance footprint
determined primarily by
economic considerations,
with no attempt to reduce
footprint and limit reduction
in contributing catchment
areas.
2 AC
 Mine plan will involve final
voids and elevated
overburden emplacements
that remain beyond mine
life.
 Limited water storages.
1 AC
 Design of mine water management system to
avoid routine discharges of quarry water.
 Key objective in mine design is to limit the High Certainty:
project disturbance footprint, with only one third  Mine design which
of project site subject to clearing. Site drainage limits disturbance
management involves diverting drainage of footprint and avoids
undisturbed areas around active mining areas final voids is the key
and discharge of drainage from active areas mitigation measure.
following control of suspended sediment. This
H 2 U L
will reduce the loss of catchment yields during
the operation of the mine.
 Absence of final voids and elevated overburden
emplacements in the post-mining landform
means that the project will not give rise to any
reduction in contributing catchment areas and
downstream catchment yields post-mining.
 Design of water management system with High Certainty:
sufficient capacity to avoid routine discharge of  Water balance
quarry water. modelling included 124
 Design based on water balance modelling, years of climatic
which models 124 years of climate data. scenarios.
 Discharge conditions, as a contingency Contingency conditions
H 2 U L
measure, based on ANZECC guidelines for are based on ANZECC
pristine systems and designed to ensure no Guidelines and have
detectable change in the ecosystem beyond been developed based

on surface water
HANSEN BAILEY

natural variability. Conditions have been

developed based on monthly water quality monitoring data.
monitoring.
BAILEY
HANSEN
HANSENBAILEY

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
BAILEY

ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
15  Transport of ore.  Spills of ore into  Haul roads designed  Speed limits for haul trucks reduced to 30km/hr. High Certainty
watercourses. without sediment traps.  Routine maintenance of vehicles.
2 P M  Procedures and driver training in relation to 2 U L
road safety.
 Design of haul roads includes sediment traps.
16  Transport, use,  Spills from transport, storage  Small volumes of materials  Transport, use and storage of hazardous High Certainty:
storage of or use of hazardous materials to be transported, used or materials will be as per standard procedures  The key factor reducing
hazardous giving rise to impacts on stored. outlined in relevant Australian Standards. the severity of the risk
materials. surface water quality.  Transport, use and storage  Ongoing surface water monitoring programs to is the small quantity of
of hazardous materials as identify any contamination issues. hazardous materials to
per standard procedures 2 U L 2 U L be used. Proposed
outlined in relevant procedures for
Australian standards (and in transport, use and
use at the existing mine). storage of material are
industry standard, and
in use at existing mine.
ECOLOGY
17  Construction  Ongoing sedimentation and  No specific scour and  Watercourse crossings with engineered High Certainty:
and use of haul associated water quality sedimentation controls. culverts, with inlet and outlet scour protection.  Design and
road issues, with resultant impacts  Culverts have been sized based on a detailed construction of culverts
watercourse on aquatic biology and hydrology study (as part of this EIS) to inform will be undertaken
crossings. associated potential appropriate sizing of culverts to mitigate using standard
requirement for dredging. significant impacts on erosion and sediment engineering
impacts. techniques.
Draft
Draft Environmental

3 L H  Appropriate engineering design of culverts, and 3 U M

Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment
Environmental Impact

design undertaken by suitably qualified and

experienced engineer.
 Erosion and sediment control measures
Eastern Leases Project

implemented during construction and operation.

Impact Statement

 Proponent has committed to installing a stream

gauging on the Emerald River at the proposed
Statement

haul road crossing.

4-13
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-14

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Draft
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental

18  Construction  Restrict or prevent movement  Watercourse crossings  Watercourse crossings constructed as culverts, High Certainty:
and use of haul of fish and other fauna. constructed as causeways. rather than causeways, and designed to not  Design and
Environmental Impact

road restrict fish passage. construction of culverts

watercourse 3 L H  Crossings have been sited within ephemeral 2 U L will be undertaken
crossings. reaches of watercourses, rather than perennial using standard
reaches. engineering
Impact Statement

techniques.
19  Vegetation  Clearing of vegetation within  Project disturbance footprint  Key objective in mine design is to limit the High Certainty:
Statement

clearing as part the project site, leading to a determined primarily by project disturbance footprint, with only one third  Design of mine to limit
of the loss of habitat for the economic considerations, of project site subject to clearing. disturbance footprint is
construction and threatened Northern Quoll, with no attempt to reduce  Clearing activities undertaken in accordance a key mitigation
operation of the Masked Owl (northern), footprint. with a Permit to Clear process in order to measure.
mine. Yellow-spotted Monitor and  Mine plan will involve final control clearing activities and limit clearing to  Rehabilitation methods
Mertens' Water Monitor, voids and elevated the smallest practicable area for safe work. are as per the methods
leading to a significant, 4 AC E 3 U M
overburden emplacements  No final voids or elevated overburden used at the existing
residual impact on these that remain beyond mine emplacements, allowing the full extent of the mine, where
species. life (limiting the potential for project site to be rehabilitated and made rehabilitation has been
successful rehabilitation). available as habitat post-mining. shown to provide
 Progressive rehabilitation with native species, habitat for several
monitoring of rehabilitation to confirm threatened species.
recolonisation by threatened species.
HANSEN
HANSEN BAILEY
BAILEY
HANSEN
HANSENBAILEY

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
BAILEY

ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
20  Vegetation  Clearing of vegetation within  Project disturbance footprint  Key objective in mine design is to limit the Moderate Certainty
clearing as part the project site, leading to a determined primarily by project disturbance footprint, with only one third  Design of mine to limit
of the loss of habitat for the economic considerations, of project site subject to clearing. disturbance footprint is
construction and threatened Brush-tailed with no attempt to reduce  Clearing activities undertaken in accordance a key mitigation
operation of the Rabbit-rat and Northern footprint. with a Permit to Clear process in order to measure.
mine. Hopping-mouse, leading to a  Mine plan will involve final control clearing activities and limit clearing to  There will be a
significant, residual impact on voids and elevated the smallest practicable area for safe work. monitoring and
these species. overburden emplacements  No final voids or elevated overburden reporting function as
that remain beyond mine emplacements, allowing the full extent of the part of the
4 AC E 3 U M
life (limiting the potential for project site to be rehabilitated and available as implementation of
successful rehabilitation). habitat post-mining. biodiversity offsets to
 Progressive rehabilitation with native species, confirm their
monitoring of rehabilitation to confirm presence effectiveness.
of threatened species.
 Biodiversity offsets will be provided specifically
for the purpose of ensuring that the project
does not give rise to significant, residual
impacts on these species.
21  Vegetation  Reduction in diversity of flora  Project disturbance footprint  Key objective in mine design is to limit the High Certainty:
clearing as part and fauna species, including determined primarily by project disturbance footprint, with only one third  Design of mine to limit
of the migratory species. economic considerations, of project site subject to clearing. disturbance footprint is
construction and with no attempt to reduce  Clearing activities undertaken in accordance a key mitigation
operation of the footprint. with a Permit to Clear process in order to measure, as is
mine.  Mine plan will involve final control clearing activities and limit clearing to progressive
Draft
Draft Environmental

voids and elevated the smallest practicable area for safe work. rehabilitation. The

Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment
overburden emplacements  No final voids or elevated overburden proponent has
Environmental Impact

3 L H 2 P M
that remain beyond mine emplacements, allowing the full extent of the extensive experience
life (limiting the potential for project site to be rehabilitated and available as with rehabilitation and
Eastern Leases Project

successful rehabilitation). habitat post-mining. monitoring has shown it

 Progressive rehabilitation with native species. to be successful in
Impact Statement

 Weed and feral animal control. establishing woodland

vegetation, similar to
Statement

the pre-mining
vegetation.
4-15
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-16

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Draft
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental

22  Vegetation  Loss of connectivity within the  Project disturbance footprint  No mining of watercourses or watercourse High Certainty:
clearing as part landscape due to loss of determined primarily by buffers, and mine design involves very limited  Design of mine to avoid
Environmental Impact

of the riparian vegetation. economic considerations, clearing of riparian vegetation. mining of watercourses
construction and with no attempt to reduce 3 L H 1 L M is the key mitigation
operation of the footprint. measure.
mine.  Project involves mining of
Impact Statement

watercourses.
23  Vegetation  Introduction of weeds, leading  No specific weed controls.  Implementation of a weed management High Certainty:
Statement

clearing, and to impacts on threatened program.  There are only limited

ongoing species. weeds present on
earthmoving Groote Eylandt. The
activities within 2 P M 2 U L weed management
the project site. program will be
consistent with existing
procedures at the
GEMCO mine.
24  Vegetation  Introduction of weeds, leading  No specific weed controls.  Implementation of a weed management High Certainty:
clearing, and to impacts on biodiversity program.  There are only limited
ongoing values. weeds present on
earthmoving Groote Eylandt. The
activities within 2 P M 2 U L weed management
the project site. program will be
consistent with existing
procedures at the
GEMCO mine.
25  Transport of  Introduction of Cane Toad,  Existing Cane Toad  The project requires very limited material and Moderate Certainty:
materials and impacting overall biodiversity quarantine and controls. personnel movements, and does not  The very limited
personnel to value of project site and necessitate additional freight movements material and personnel
Groote Eylandt, threatened species. (although it will extend the period of freight movements associated
as part of the movement associated with the existing mine by with the project are the
development four years). key mitigation measure.
5 R H 5 R H
and operation of  Existing Cane Toad quarantine measures will Nevertheless, other
the project. be applied. In addition to this, an annual audit parts of Australia have
of quarantine procedures is proposed to been unsuccessful in
HANSEN
HANSEN BAILEY

confirm their adequacy and make preventing the

recommendations for continual improvement. introduction of this
invasive species.
BAILEY
HANSEN
HANSENBAILEY

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
BAILEY

ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
26  Vegetation  Increase in feral animal  No specific controls for feral  Feral animal control program to be Moderate Certainty:
clearing, and numbers (e.g. cats) within the animals. implemented for project site, including feral cat  Feral cat control has
construction of project site. control. proved difficult
2 P M 2 U L
haul roads and  The proponent will continue current restrictions elsewhere in Australia.
tracks. on cat ownership amongst its employees on
Groote Eylandt.
27  Vehicle  Vehicle strike resulting in loss -  Speed limits for haul trucks reduced to 30km/hr. Moderate Certainty
movements of fauna species.  Procedures and driver training in relation to
1 L M 1 P L
associated with road safety.
project.
28  Construction  Noise from project activities -  Noise emissions are likely to be localised, High Certainty
and operation of reducing quality of habitat for
close to operational quarries and haul roads.
the mine, fauna.
including use of 1 P L  Noise impacts will diminish within rehabilitated 1 P L
earthmoving areas and return to pre-mining levels following
equipment and cessation of mining.
blasting.
29  Construction  Dust from project activities  No specific dust control  Dust suppression watering of haul roads and High Certainty
and operation of reducing quality of habitat for measures. active mining areas.
the mine, fauna.  Survey of dust effects from the existing mine on
including use of 1 P L vegetation was undertaken as part of this EIS. 1 U L
earthmoving It did not identify any impacts on vegetation.
equipment and
blasting.
Draft
Draft Environmental

30  Artificial light,  Artificial light reducing quality -  Night lighting will be restricted to active working High Certainty

Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment
predominantly of habitat for fauna. areas, and there will be no lighting following
Environmental Impact

from operation 1 U L mine closure. 1 U L

of quarries at
Eastern Leases Project

night.
4-17 Impact Statement
Statement
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-18

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Draft
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental

31  Construction of  Drawdown of aquifers giving  Project involves mining of  No mining of watercourses or watercourse High Certainty:
quarries, and rise to impacts on vegetation watercourses (and shallow buffers.  Elimination of final
Environmental Impact

ongoing pit dependent on groundwater. aquifer associated with  Mine design which avoids final voids, allowing voids in mine plan is
dewatering. them). for a full recovery of groundwater levels, similar the key mitigation.
 Mine plan will involve final to pre-mining groundwater levels. Groundwater modelling
voids that remain beyond 3 AC E  Groundwater modelling, informed by a 2 U L is informed by recent
Impact Statement

mine life. groundwater monitoring program, to monitoring data and a

understand impacts (modelling shows very thorough understanding
Statement

limited potential impacts). of the site

 Ongoing monitoring of drawdown extents(to hydrogeology.
confirm consistency with EIS predictions).
SOCIAL
32  Vehicle  Impacts on public safety due  Intersection constructed as  Haul road will be constructed as an overpass High Certainty:
movements to haul road crossing the a level crossing, controlled so that there is no interaction between mine  Construction of an
2 P M 2 R L
associated with Emerald River Road. by boom gates. vehicles and Emerald River Road. overpass is the key
project. mitigation measure.
33  Construction  Access track to Dalumba Bay  No reinstatement of track to  Access track to Dalumba Bay will be realigned, Risk eliminated High Certainty:
and operation of permanently closed, given its Dalumba Bay. ensuring no loss of access. due to  Realignment of the
3 AC E
the mine. location within the proposed realignment of access track is the key
mining area. access track mitigation measure.
34  Transport of  Road safety issues due to -  The project requires very limited goods and High Certainty:
materials and increase in vehicle personnel movement (construction deemed to  Existing procedures,
personnel for the movements. be the main period where there will be transport shown to be successful
project along the of materials - modelled as being a low level of at the existing GEMCO
Rowell Highway traffic density). mine, will be used.
(a public access  Routine maintenance of vehicles.
road, owned by 2 R L  Procedures and driver training in relation to 2 R L
the proponent). road safety.
 Vehicles transporting over dimensional loads
will be escorted.
 There will be routine alerts and communications
with the ALC in relation to the transport of
heavy loads.
HANSEN
HANSEN BAILEY
BAILEY
HANSEN
HANSENBAILEY

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
BAILEY

ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
35  Blasting  Flyrock from blasting causing  No controls on blasting.  The project is located in a remote area, with no High Certainty:
associated with safety issues for the nearby residences.  Existing procedures,
open cut mining. community/road users.  Blasts will be designed to minimise the potential shown to be successful
for flyrock. at the existing GEMCO
 There will be controls on access to areas that mine, will be used.
are located in close proximity to mining
2 U L 2 R L
activities.
 Blasting procedures will be adopted, which will
involve notifying the ALC of proposed blasting.
At the time of blasting there will be road
closures, signage and sentries placed along
roads (e.g. the access track to Dalumba Bay).
36  Blasting  Damage to structures (e.g.  No controls on blasting.  The project is located in a remote area, with no High Certainty:
associated with outstations) or impacts on nearby residences.  The significant distance
open cut mining. residential amenity at  Blast modelling has been undertaken and no between proposed
sensitive receptors (e.g. 2 R L impacts on sensitive receptors are predicted. 2 R L open cut mining areas
outstations, recreation areas). and sensitive receptors
is the key mitigation
measure.
37  Construction of  Impacts on the visual amenity  Mine plan will involve  Mine design ensures that there are no elevated High Certainty:
quarries, at sensitive receptors. elevated overburden overburden emplacements as part of the post-  Screening from existing
overburden emplacements that remain mining landform. Absence of elevated landform topography and
emplacements beyond mine life. and revegetation of mined areas results in a vegetation, along with a
and construction very low visual effect post-mining. mine plan that does not
Draft
Draft Environmental

1 P L 1 R L
of infrastructure.  Very limited night lighting associated with the involve elevated

Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment
project. overburden
Environmental Impact

 Screening from existing intervening topography emplacements, is the

and vegetation between the project site and key mitigation.
Eastern Leases Project

potential receptors.
4-19 Impact Statement
Statement
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-20

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Draft
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental

38  Construction  Noise from the project giving -  The project is located in a remote area, with no High Certainty:
and operation of rise to impacts on residential nearby residences.  The significant distance
Environmental Impact

the mine, amenity at sensitive receptors  Noise modelling has been undertaken and no between proposed
including use of (outstations, recreation exceedances of noise criteria are predicted open cut mining areas
earthmoving areas). 2 U L (with the exception of short term impacts at an 2 U L and sensitive receptors
equipment and infrequently occupied outstation). The is the key mitigation
Impact Statement

blasting. proponent will undertake discussions with the measure.

ALC to resolve any issues that may arise from
Statement

noise levels at this outstation.

39  Construction  Dust from the project giving -  The project is located in a remote area, with no High Certainty:
and operation of rise to impacts on residential nearby residences.  The significant distance
the mine, amenity at sensitive receptors  Dust modelling has been undertaken and no between proposed
including use of (outstations, recreation 2 U L exceedances of air quality criteria are 2 U L open cut mining areas
earthmoving areas). predicted. and sensitive receptors
equipment and  Dust suppression watering. is the key mitigation
blasting. measure.
40  Construction  Loss of Aboriginal rock art  Project disturbance footprint  Comprehensive archaeological survey (as part High Certainty:
and operation of sites due to clearing determined primarily by of this EIS) to identify Aboriginal rock art sites.  Design of project
the mine. associated with the mine. economic considerations,  Design of project, including haul road, avoids avoids areas that
Impact eliminated
with no attempt to reduce areas that are known to contain Aboriginal art. contain known
5 R H due to mine
footprint. Aboriginal art (and
design
avoids rocky outcrops
that have potential to
contain art).
41  Construction  Clearing of Aboriginal sites as  Project disturbance footprint  Comprehensive archaeological survey (as part High Certainty
and operation of part of the development of the determined primarily by of this EIS) to identify Aboriginal rock art sites.
the mine. mine. This excludes economic considerations,  Design of project, including haul road, avoids
Aboriginal rock art sites, with no attempt to reduce significant archaeological sites.
which are addressed in Issue footprint.  Single site (manuport that is used as a marker)
2 P M 2 R L
No. 40. is within the project disturbance footprint. The
proponent will consult with the ALC in relation
to management (relocation of this site). All
necessary approvals under the Heritage Act will
be obtained.
HANSEN
HANSEN BAILEY
BAILEY
HANSEN
HANSENBAILEY

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
BAILEY

ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
42  Construction  Increased access to  No access controls  Rock art is located in areas that are remote and High Certainty
and ongoing Aboriginal rock art sites, and implemented. difficult to access.  The general
operation of the resultant damage to site.  The proponent will place access restrictions on inaccessibility of the
project. the sites, and there will be cultural awareness sites is the key
3 U M 3 R M
training as part of the workforce inductions. mitigation measure.
 Implementation of a Cultural Heritage
Management Plan, which includes ongoing
monitoring of the sites.
43  Construction  Dust from the project giving  No specific dust control  Dust suppression watering, and other controls Moderate Certainty
and operation of rise to impacts on Aboriginal measures. such as speed limits on vehicles.
the mine, rock art sites.  Set back of at least 400 m between project
including use of activities and rock art sites (more than 1 km for
2 P M 2 R L
earthmoving most sites).
equipment and  Monitoring of rock art sites, and additional dust
blasting. control measures on the project site or at the
art site, if necessary.
44  Blasting  Damage to rock shelters due  No controls on blasting.  Set back of at least 400 m between project Moderate Certainty
associated with to blasting. activities and rock art sites (more than 1 km for
open cut mining. most sites).
 Undertaking blasting in accordance with a blast
3 P H 3 R M
management plan, which will involve
determining appropriate ground vibration limits
for individual sites.
 Monitoring of the sites to confirm their integrity.
Draft
Draft Environmental

Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment
Environmental Impact
Eastern Leases Project
4-21 Impact Statement
Statement
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-22

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Draft
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental

45  Construction  Permanent loss of access to  Project disturbance footprint  Key objective in mine design is to limit the Moderate Certainty
and operation of land and resources including determined primarily by project disturbance footprint, with only one third
Environmental Impact

the mine. bush tucker. economic considerations, of project site subject to clearing.
with no attempt to reduce  Although access to working areas of the project
footprint. site will be restricted over the life of the project,
 Access to the full extent of Traditional Owners will be permitted continued
Impact Statement

the project site (rather than access to the remainder of the project site to
3 AC E 2 U L
just working areas) is the extent that safe access can be provided.
Statement

restricted for the duration of  Progressive rehabilitation with native

the project. vegetation, ensuring that the loss of access is
not a permanent impact.
 Negotiation of a Mining Agreement under ALRA
which provides compensation for loss of
resources.
46  Clearing of land  Loss of access to the project  Project disturbance footprint  No mining of watercourses (watercourses are Moderate Certainty
for construction site could exacerbate existing determined primarily by highly significant in Anindilyakwa culture).
and operation of issues in relation to loss of economic considerations,  Progressive rehabilitation with native vegetation
the project. connection to place for the with no attempt to reduce to ensure that loss of access to land is
Anindilyakwa people, with footprint. temporary.
associated loss of language  A mine plan which includes  Access to areas of the project site that are not
and cultural traditions. Any mining of watercourses. subject to mining will continue to be provided
loss of sacred sites would (over the life of the mine).
exacerbate this impact.  Indirect investment by the proponent in the
However, economic benefits 3 P H protection of the Anindilyakwa culture. 2 P M
associated with the project will
assist in enabling the
Anindilyakwa people to
continue to live on Groote
Eylandt in a manner
consistent with their culture,
despite the pressures and
influences of modern
Australian culture.
HANSEN
HANSEN BAILEY
BAILEY
HANSEN
HANSENBAILEY

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
BAILEY

ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
47  Clearing of land  Impacts to spirituality and  Project disturbance footprint  No mining of watercourses or watercourse Moderate Certainty
for the sacred sites. determined primarily by buffers (watercourses are highly significant in
construction and economic considerations, Anindilyakwa culture).
operation of the with no attempt to reduce  Sacred sites to be identified prior to the
project. footprint. commencement of the project and
 A mine plan which includes management of sites agreed with the ALC.
mining of watercourses. Management will be agreed as part of the
4 AC E 2 P M
Mining Agreement under the Commonwealth
Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act
1976 (ALRA). Mining cannot commence until a
Mining Agreement is in place.
 Application for an Authority Certificate under
the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites
Act 1989.
48  Construction  Anxiety and uncertainty -  No mining of watercourses or watercourse Moderate Certainty
and operation of amongst Traditional Owners buffers.
the project. in relation to the new mining  Ongoing consultation and communication with
areas. 1 P L Traditional Owners in relation to the project (in 1 P L
accordance with the ALC's communication
protocols).
 EIS feedback consultation.
49  Construction  Standing water in dams  No specific controls for  Dam design with deep, steep sides to High Certainty
and operation of causing an increase in biting mosquitoes, and no discourage macrophyte growth and mosquito  The proponent has
mine dams. insects, leading to insect consideration of the issue of breeding. experience with
Draft
Draft Environmental

borne diseases amongst the mosquito breeding in dam  Waterway crossings designed to not impede mosquito management,

Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment
workforce and community. design. 2 P M flow. 2 R L and was successful in
Environmental Impact

 Post mining landform will be free draining. eradicating the

 The proponent will implement a mosquito mosquito that carries
Eastern Leases Project

management program. Dengue Fever from

Groote Eylandt.
4-23 Impact Statement
Statement
 Section 4 | Environmental Management Plan
4-24

Section 4 | Environmental Risk Assessment

CERTAINTY IN
ASSUMPTIONS RELEVANT
PROJECT RELATION TO
NO. RISK DESCRIPTION TO ASSESSMENT OF C1 L2 R3 MITIGATION C1 L2 R3
ACTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS OF
UNMITIGATED RISK
MITIGATION4
Draft
Eastern Leases Project
Draft Environmental

50  Vegetation  Migration of dangerous  Project disturbance footprint  No mining of watercourses or watercourses Moderate Certainty
clearing, and species, particularly determined primarily by buffers.
Environmental Impact

ongoing crocodiles and snakes into economic considerations,  Key objective in mine design is to limit the
earthmoving surrounding areas, particularly with no attempt to reduce project disturbance footprint, with only one third
activities within recreational areas. footprint. of project site subject to clearing.
the project site.  A mine plan which includes 2 P M  Progressive rehabilitation with native 2 U L
Impact Statement

mining of watercourses. vegetation.

 Continued system of alerts in relation to the
Statement

presence of crocodiles.
 General awareness program in place for the
workforce in relation to crocodiles.
-  Employment  Continuation of employment opportunities, including Aboriginal employment. Given that this is a positive impact, it has not been assigned a risk rating.
provided by the
project.
-  Economic  Significant economic investment in the form of operational expenditure to Groote Eylandt and NT. Given that this is a positive impact, it has not been assigned a risk rating.
investment
associated with
the project
-  Economic  Significant economic investment for Traditional Owners, in the form of royalties and operational expenditure. Given that this is a positive impact, it has not been assigned a risk rating.
investment
associated with
the project
-  Social  Ongoing provision of key infrastructure and services to Groote Eylandt. Given that this is a positive impact, it has not been assigned a risk rating.
investment
associated with
the project

1 C: Consequence Refer to Table 4-4 for Consequence levels

2 L: Likelihood AC: Almost Certain; L: Likely; P: Possible; U: Unlikely; R: Rare
3 R: Risk E: Extreme; H: High; M: Moderate; L: Low
4 Level of certainty in relation to effectiveness of management/mitigation measures in reducing the risks
HANSEN
HANSEN BAILEY
BAILEY